Gather

If it’s not written down, it might as well not exist. Site diaries can feel like a chore, but they’re the difference between getting paid and losing money. I’ve seen it too many times: - Variations not logged. - Delays brushed off. - Quantities half-documented. And guess what? That’s money you’ll never see. A proper site diary isn’t just a log—it’s your insurance policy. Here are 5 things every site diary needs to include: > Quantities of work done – No fluff, just the facts. > Delays and events – The good, the bad, and the ugly—record it all. > Resources used – Labour, plant, and materials—track every minute and machine. > Site conditions and weather – You can’t control it, but you can document it. > Variations and instructions – Don’t lose money on changes you didn’t log. The work’s already being done—don’t let the proof slip through the cracks. In construction, if you’re not recording it, you’re not claiming it. And if you’re not claiming it, you’re losing money.

Working over Christmas? Blockades don’t have to mean chaos. For many in the rail industry, Christmas and New Year aren’t about relaxing—they’re about delivering during high-stakes blockades. Long hours, tight deadlines, and intense pressure are part of the deal. But here’s the thing: what makes or breaks these blockades isn’t just hard work—it’s communication. Missed updates. Confused teams. Stakeholders left in the dark. Without clear, consistent reporting, chaos is almost guaranteed. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right systems, you can keep everyone aligned, avoid costly delays, and prove—once again—that your team delivers, no matter the pressure. How do you keep reporting clear and actionable when the stakes are this high?

Why do so many construction projects bleed cash? Margins are tight, and it doesn’t take much—delays, untracked variations, idle resources—for costs to spiral out of control. The worst part? Most contractors don’t even realise how much they’re losing until it’s too late. It’s not just about the money. Shrinking profits mean tighter cash flow, stressed teams, and lost opportunities for growth. So here’s the big question: How much are you losing on every project—and what’s it costing your business?

Stop paying £50k a year for someone to update a spreadsheet. QSs are wizards with Excel (and some love it way too much), but that’s not what you hired them for. They’re there to solve problems, manage contracts, and make sure you get paid—not spend half their day copying numbers between tabs. Give them tools that cut the admin and let them focus on what they’re great at. Because spreadsheets don’t solve disputes or win you money—but a good QS does. 

I am very pleased to be hosting a joint event/webinar with Association for Project Management on Delivering best value with NEC Contracts, sponsored by NEC Contracts Based on a spirit of mutual trust and collaboration, NEC Contracts facilitate the implementation of sound project management principles and practices. They enable any projects to be delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard. Their contracts are endorsed by the governments and industry users worldwide and can cover projects large and small, and through any stage of a project lifecycle. This webinar will cover the various provisions available within the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) to facilitate value management. Topics will include:  * Early Contractor Involvement (X22) * Contractor’s proposals * Application of the value engineering percentage on fixed-priced contracts (Option A/B) * Target Contracts (Option C/D) * Whole life cost (X21) Speakers David Hunter and Ben Walker Book your place here https://lnkd.in/e_wAw_P5 #ProjectManagement #Community #Webinar